Researchers at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago are reporting in the latest JAMA about the success of a surgical technique for people using prosthetic limbs. Called Targeted Muscle Reinnervation(TMR), the technique links broken nerves with new prosthetic devices running pattern control algorithms. Using the new method, patients are able to have much greater control of their artificial limbs.
Here are the results from the study abstract:
The TMR patients were able to repeatedly perform 10 different elbow, wrist, and hand motions with the virtual prosthetic arm. For these patients, the mean motion selection and motion completion times for elbow and wrist movements were 0.22 seconds (SD, 0.06) and 1.29 seconds (SD, 0.15), respectively. These times were 0.06 seconds and 0.21 seconds longer than the mean times for control participants. For TMR patients, the mean motion selection and motion completion times for hand-grasp patterns were 0.38 seconds (SD, 0.12) and 1.54 seconds (SD, 0.27), respectively. These patients successfully completed a mean of 96.3% (SD, 3.8) of elbow and wrist movements and 86.9% (SD, 13.9) of hand movements within 5 seconds, compared with 100% (SD, 0) and 96.7% (SD, 4.7) completed by controls. Three of the patients were able to demonstrate the use of this control system in advanced prostheses, including motorized shoulders, elbows, wrists, and hands.
Press release: Journal Article Shows Targeted Muscle Reinnervation Patients Have Greater Control of Prosthetic Arms
Abstract in JAMA…
Full paper…